Steak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This dish combines juicy steak bites with tender shell pasta, all coated in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion at home.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shell pasta
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat your steak dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Avoid rushing this step as the garlic forms the base flavor of the Alfredo sauce.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and black pepper until smooth. Let the sauce thicken slightly, stirring often. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat each shell in the garlic butter Alfredo sauce. Gently fold in the steak bites along with any juices that have collected on the plate.
- Step 6: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra pinch of Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot, ideally with warm bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, marinate the steak bites briefly in a bit of garlic and olive oil before cooking.
- Swap sirloin for ribeye or filet mignon for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Sear the steak bites for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a brown crust but remain juicy inside. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender and flavorful.
PrintSteak Bites and Shell Pasta in Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce Recipe
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender sirloin steak bites and shell pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter Alfredo sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. This recipe combines the savory flavors of seared steak with a creamy, cheesy sauce for an indulgent yet straightforward meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz shell pasta
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
Garlic Butter Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Shell Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
- Sear the Steak Bites: While the pasta cooks, pat the sirloin steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned on the outside but still juicy inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Base: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it forms the flavor base of the Alfredo sauce.
- Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of black pepper until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked shell pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat each shell thoroughly. Gently fold in the seared steak bites, including any juices that collected on the plate, to incorporate the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately, ideally with warm bread on the side to enjoy with the rich sauce.
Notes
- Patting the steak dry before searing helps achieve a good crust and prevents steaming.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the steak bites to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: steak bites, shell pasta, garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, sirloin steak, easy dinner, weeknight meal
